Enjoy this continuing series as we follow Jonna and Doug through the design and build of their family’s new Kenilworth home. In this episode, Jonna and Lisa Pickell share their thoughts as the heart of the home takes shape.
“I’m so excited about the kitchen,” responds Jonna, when asked how things are going with her family’s custom home. “There’s a lot of natural light, lots of windows. The pantry is great. And there’s a big table right there for meals and homework—it’ll be so nice to have it all right on the island.” After life in a city condo, having everything centralized with sunlight pouring in is a significant change.
Cabinetry and Trim Add Personality
Now that the floors have been installed, trim carpenters can get to work. While trim profiles have been agreed upon for months, these elements need to be laid out and finalized in the field. Beams and coffered ceilings, wainscot and shiplap panels, door and window trim—these all require careful attention in order to ensure proper spacing, determine how to transition to other elements and get the final proportions right.
As trim is underway, the cabinets also make their appearance. For this home, the kitchen is all about cabinetry. The perimeter features timeless, flat-panel white cabinets filled with built-in storage for specialty items, knives and spices, complemented by a more rustic, custom island in gray. Because the island incorporates an L-shaped banquette and table inspired by the Pickell showroom, it’s destined to become the center of family activity. Jonna and Doug wanted it to stand out yet feel cozy and inviting.
Additional cabinetry was crafted for five bathrooms, the mudroom, laundry and basement kitchenette as well.
A Few Bursts of Color
In keeping with the soft palette used throughout the interior and exterior of the home, most of the walls will be painted white, and complimented by gray trim. “We did let the kids choose colors for their bedrooms, though,” says Jonna. “My daughter wanted aqua, so we’ve chosen a soft tint that isn’t too intense, and our son’s room will be light blue.” Now the family is figuring out what to do to make the kids’ play space as amazing as it can be.
